I think the various themes are the most compelling part of the reading experience and will inform any book club discussion. Themes: The Vanishing Half is an ambitious and multilayered story that deals with several thought-provoking themes. If you do decide to read on, I tried not to reveal any major spoilers. So if you do not want any spoilers, it might be best to read the remainder of this review after you’ve read the book.
Spoilers: I find that it’s difficult to discuss The Vanishing Half in a spoiler-free review. The Vanishing Half begins in the 1950s and concludes in the 1990s with the next generation (Desiree’s and Stella’s daughters). Stella decides to pass as white which means that she completely cuts ties with her past and her family. This is difficult because the town celebrates light-skinned blacks and Desiree’s dark-skinned daughter, Jude, faces racism within the black community. Desiree escapes an abusive marriage and returns to her small southern hometown to live with her mom and her dark child. They endure a childhood trauma, are forced to leave high school early and go to work, and eventually leave home (run away) together at sixteen. They are light-skinned black girls, identical, and inseparable. *This post contains Amazon affiliate links. Genre/Categories: Historical Fiction, Sisters, Complicated Family Drama, Own Voices
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